Satellite Images Uncover the Fate of One of Russia’s Largest Arsenals, Shedding Light on Moscow’s Silence

On April 22, satellites identified a specific location on Earth, revealing changes that were only noticeable through images taken from space. This provided an initial indication of what was happening around 40 miles from Moscow.

Despite adverse weather conditions and the low resolution of the optical data captured by the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-2 satellite, the damage was clearly visible. An explosion had completely destroyed the 51st arsenal of the Main Rocket and Artillery Directorate of the Russian Ministry of Defense (GRAU).

Extensive damage. Synthetic aperture radar images confirmed the total destruction of the arsenal. These images displayed significant structural changes within the core of the complex. A comparison of images taken on April 14 and April 23 revealed that at least 30 munitions storage buildings had been entirely destroyed.

Explosions, evacuations, and blackouts. The day after the initial explosion, secondary detonations continued, highlighting the extensive amount of stored material. Eight nearby villages, including one nearly 3 miles away, were evacuated. 37 settlements were left without gas supplies.

Data from NASA’s fire monitoring system also confirmed the presence of multiple hot spots within the perimeter. This coincides with analyses by intelligence expert M.T. Anderson. He used additional filters to detect these hot spots, further validating the massive destruction of infrastructure.

A strategic arsenal. The magnitude of what had occurred began to become clear. The 51st GRAU arsenal wasn’t just another ammunition depot. It was one of eight major arsenals still operating in the European part of Russia. They played a crucial role in the distribution and logistical maintenance of Moscow’s armaments. Three of those eight arsenals had already been destroyed during 2024, making this loss a significant blow to the Kremlin’s military supply chain.

The arsenal was designed to hold up to 264,000 tons of explosive material. Among the debris found after the explosion were 107 mm rockets intended for Chinese-made Type 63 multiple rocket launchers. Local residents reported many of these were scattered around, suggesting that some of the material had been stored outdoors and was recently delivered.

Whether due to an attack or accident, this incident compromises Russian logistical operations in the ongoing war and raises serious questions about the security of the country’s wartime arsenal.

Images from a British report show before and after the explosions.

A self-inflicted blow. After a thorough examination of images and confidential intelligence, the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defense has confirmed that the cause of the explosion wasn’t external. Instead, it resulted from a combination of poor handling practices regarding armaments and negligent storage management by Russia.

A statement from the Russian Ministry of Defense supports this conclusion. Although it remained silent about the incident for some time, it attributed the disaster to a “violation of safety requirements” in the management of explosive materials.

The UK views this event as part of a larger pattern, indicative of a longstanding and documented trend of “regularly evidenced Russian ineptitude.” In this case, it represents the largest self-inflicted loss of arsenal since the beginning of the full-scale war in Ukraine.

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Strategic installation. The affected depot was a crucial facility for the Kremlin’s supply chain for the war on the Ukrainian front. According to figures cited by UK sources from Ukrainian authorities, it housed hundreds of thousands of tons of ammunition, including ballistic missiles, air-launched projectiles, and air defense systems.

Satellite images verified by Business Insider revealed that a big part of the complex was impacted by the detonations, indicating extensive and prolonged destruction. Experts also observed multiple fires and secondary explosions, with videos shared on social media suggesting that the blasts even reached nearby civilian areas.

Previous errors. This isn’t the first time that the arsenal of the 51st GRAU has faced these kinds of incidents. According to Business Insider, Russian state media reported a spontaneous explosion in June 2022. It occurred during loading and unloading operations, resulting in the deaths of four individuals. This pattern aligns with the British report. There has been a continuous chain of operational errors and poor safety measures that turn critical facilities into vulnerable points within the Russian military apparatus.

Consequences. This incident bolsters Western rhetoric regarding Russia’s military capabilities. The implications extend beyond material damage. The destruction of one of Russia’s primary ammunition depots diminishes Moscow’s immediate logistical capabilities in its offensive against Ukraine. In the meantime, it strengthens the belief that Russia’s military force is full of structural failures, operational improvisation, and a concerning disregard for basic safety standards.

In the context of a long war and strained supply lines, the loss of tens of thousands of tons of weaponry due to internal negligence is a multifaceted defeat.

Images | Nadiia Ganzhyi | Maxar

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